Louisiana Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Unintentional Shooting by a Child at Moss Bluff School

NEW ORLEANS — The Louisiana chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to reports that a seven-year-old was shot and injured in his Moss Bluff elementary school classroom this morning, after another student unintentionally discharged a loaded handgun that a third student had brought to school and dropped.

This is at least the 92nd unintentional shooting by a child nationwide in 2017. Louisiana has seen at least seven unintentional shootings by children so far this year – the second most of any state – resulting in five injuries and two deaths.

This is also at least the 16th school shooting nationwide in 2017, and the 224th since January 1, 2013. Louisiana has seen at least six school shootings since January 2013, including two so far this year.

STATEMENT FROM HENRIETTA TREYZ, VOLUNTEER CHAPTER LEADER WITH THE LOUISIANA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Today, yet another school community has experienced the trauma that comes with gun violence. Although details are still unfolding, we know that schools should continue to be among the safest places in our communities. When a gun goes off in a school, it completely disrupts the educational environment and strikes fear in the heart of students and educators. These tragic events are not accidents, and as the Moms Demand Action Be SMART program teaches us – unintentional shootings by children are entirely preventable. Together, gun owners and non-gun owners alike can encourage responsible firearm storage to reduce the number of unintentional shootings by children that occur when children or teens get ahold of a gun.”